“As the multi-rotor industry leader, DJI has developed one of the strongest brand names in the market,” Chief remote pilot and instructor, Lorenzo Forte said.

“With a wide product offering and ongoing development, easy to learn and operate equipment, and a variety of operational methods from manual to fully automated, DJI has a solution that should be considered for any client’s needs.”

“UPG Flight School is a training organisation approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Clients are able to purchase the drone and complete all the required training within UPG facilities and services,” Lorenzo said

“The major difference from other training providers is that UPG focuses mainly on professionals and corporate clients. The course covers the compulsory CASA syllabus and offers additional assistance in integrating drone operations in mining, surveying and assets management workflows.

“UPG Flight School gives access to a wealth of knowledge provided by our numerous specialists in photogrammetry software, surveying and the aviation industry. Usually, clients enjoy long-term relationship with our staff who assist them in various aspect of their operation from field support to data processing.”

Lorenzo said UPG offers a variety of photogrammetry and survey software to meet all customer needs.

“The most powerful solution is Trimble Business Centre with the Aerial Photogrammetry Module (UAS Master),” he said.

“UAS Master integrates with Trimble Business Centre and offers leading-edge tools to analyse your data. It provides full control on the data processing workflow and allows the creation of advanced outputs.

“Pix4D Mapper Pro is the mid-level photogrammetry software which offers a user-friendly interface and allows the creation of basic photogrammetry outputs and data analysis.”

Lorenzo said Trimble Stratus was the latest software offering from Trimble delivered in partnership with Propeller Aero.

“Stratus allows to effectively share your data within your organisation and clients while relieving surveyors and operators of data processing downtime,” he said.

“There is a solution for every application and need within the surveying and asset management industry.”

The shoot has been exciting but also challenging for both parties, Lorenzo said.

“The UPG team did not have any previous experience creating professional videos and working in front of a camera.

“Other challenges such as the limited daylight and cold temperature kept the crews on their toes.”

UPG Technical Consultant and Instructor, Kieran Dinuzzo, said he enjoyed the experience.

“Cameraman Michael Sloane kept the camera rolling, following us around like in a film set. He worked relentlessly to stay on schedule and collect great footage,” he said.

UPG Flight School collected aerial images to build 3D maps and models of the site. At the same time, they explained the process and their products by conducting interviews on site.

“It was challenging to collect aerial data with multiple drones while capturing photos and videos. Michael made us feel like professional actors when he set up an interview on the edge of the quarry,” laughed Kieran.

The footage and stills were collected in less than six hours while the UPG crew flew drones to capture the site.

“We could not be happier with the result. I understand that it is always difficult to summarise complex workflows in a minute-long film, however, the videos achieved that goal exceptionally well,” Lorenzo said.

SUDDEN.ly journalist and cameraman Michael Sloane said it had been a shoot to remember.

“I'd never seen a fixed wing drone before, nor any kind of UAV taking a programmed flight path for aerial distance readings, so it was interesting to see how these went up and their different strengths in the air,” he said.

The shoot didn’t come without its challenges, Michael said.

“Of course, shooting small drones in the sky hundreds of metres away from the camera was difficult, but I was given the chance to use the controls of the on-board camera of one of the drones to capture another in mid-flight,” he said.

“That might be the closest thing I get to being a jet co-pilot in a dogfight!”